Association President Dave Spain has an appetite for delving through the dusty archives of military history. He was approached recently to research the military past of siblings Carmel and John Ryan’s ancestors. Dave uncovered the records of Sgt CE Connors and Gnr ES Connors, great uncles to Carmel and John. The Connors’ brothers both served in WW1 with Gnr ES Connors being killed in action in Dec 1916, his brother CE Connors went on to also serve during WW2.

Dave arranged replicas of the medals awarded to the Connors’ brothers and also for those medals to be presented to John and Carmel at 16 ALR during St Barbara Day celebrations. Dave, John and Carmel travelled to Woodside from Brisbane to attend the presentation.

John Ryan receiving the medals of his Great Uncle, Sgt CE Connors from WW1 and WW2. The medals are being presented by LTCOL Berni White, CO 16 Air Land Regiment during the Saint Barbara Day celebrations on the 2nd December 2016.

Carmel Ryan receiving her Great Uncles medals, Gnr ES Connors who was killed in action on the 30 Dec 1916. The medals are being presented by LTCOL Berni White, CO 16 Air Land Regiment during the Saint Barbara Day celebrations on the 2nd December 2016.